Greece’s birth rate continued its downward trend in 2025, falling by 4.2% compared to the previous year, according to new data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) on Thursday.
Total live births dropped to 65,594 (33,620 boys and 31,974 girls), down from 68,467 in 2024—a decrease of 2,873 births. On a positive note, stillbirths fell by 7.5%, dropping from 454 in 2024 to 420 in 2025.
The sharpest monthly declines in 2025 occurred in November (-10.4%) and January (-10.0%), while the strongest growth periods were recorded in September (+3.0%) and May (+2.9%).
The data also highlights a massive structural shift in the age of Greek mothers over the last one to two decades:
The Sharpest Declines (Younger Mothers): Compared to 2015, the steepest drop in births was among women aged 30–34 (down 12,356). When looking further back to 2005, the most drastic decline occurred in the 25–29 age bracket, which saw 20,775 fewer births.
The Only Increases (Older Mothers): Conversely, births among older demographics are rising. Compared to 2015, births to mothers aged 40–44 rose by 1,031, and by 445 for those aged 45–49. Looking back to 2005, births for mothers aged 40–44 spiked by 2,955.
Greece is currently facing a demographic crisis, a profound and steady population decline driven by a disastrous low-fertility spiral. For nearly four decades, the country’s birth rates have trended downward, severely exacerbated by the decade-long financial crisis that began in 2010.
High youth unemployment, economic instability, and soaring costs of living forced hundreds of thousands of educated young Greeks to emigrate abroad, while those who stayed increasingly postponed or bypassed starting families altogether. Today, Greece’s fertility rate sits well below the 2.1 births-per-woman replacement level required to maintain a stable nation.
As the workforce shrinks and the aging ratio climbs—with nearly a quarter of the population now aged 65 and over—the demographic strain threatens the long-term stability of national pension systems, healthcare networks, and economic productivity.
Related: Greece Set for Rapid Population Aging as 34% Will Be Over 65 by 2060
